Man beaten, force-fed and humiliated by foster carer horrified as she escapes jail

A man who endured abuse, trauma, and humiliation at the hands of his foster carer as a child is appalled that she managed to evade a jail term. Angela Hassan, now 78 years old, subjected three children, including the victim known as Steve, to abuse in the 1970s and 1980s after they were placed under her care by social services. Despite the harrowing experiences they endured, Hassan was only sentenced to 300 hours of community service as a “direct alternative” to imprisonment.

Steve, who was just five years old when he was placed in Hassan’s care in Wishaw, Lanarkshire in 1977, spoke out about the horrific treatment he suffered. He recounted being physically assaulted with a rose bush stem, belt, and slipper for wetting the bed, as well as being force-fed until he became sick if he didn’t finish his meal. The abuse had a lasting impact on his life, affecting his trust in people and relationships.

After years of enduring the abuse, Steve was eventually reunited with his biological mother, only to discover that the stories he had been told about her were false and manipulated by Hassan for her own gain. The trauma inflicted by Hassan has stayed with Steve well into adulthood, leading him to struggle with simple tasks such as eating vegetables due to the traumatic memories associated with them.

The abuse inflicted by Hassan was only uncovered during a police investigation into child abuse at Smyllum Park orphanage, where one of the victims had spent time before being placed with the foster carer. North Lanarkshire Council expressed their commitment to supporting the victims of such heinous crimes, acknowledging the failings that allowed the abuse to go unchecked for nearly two decades.

The case highlights the enduring impact of childhood trauma and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, regardless of age or status. Steve’s courage in speaking out about his experiences serves as a reminder of the resilience of survivors and the necessity of seeking justice and closure for those who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering at the hands of those entrusted with their care.